Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Bill Hagerty, along with 13 Republican colleagues, have sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the re-designation of Iran-backed Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The senators highlight the group's repeated attacks against Israel as a clear threat to allies, partners, and regional stability in the Middle East.

The senators emphasize the recent attacks by the Houthis, stating, "Since Hamas's savage terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, the Houthis have launched three attacks against the Jewish state and promised to carry out more strikes 'until the Israeli aggression stops.'" They also point out the Houthi movement's anti-Semitic rhetoric, including chants of "Death to America, Death to Israel, Damn the Jews."

The senators further highlight the extensive military support and alliance between the Houthis and Iran, which has allowed the group to carry out numerous missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These attacks have targeted cities, key infrastructure, and even oil facilities, resulting in the loss of civilian lives.

The Trump Administration designated the Houthis as an FTO in January 2021 but was later reversed by the Biden Administration due to humanitarian concerns. However, the senators argue that the Houthis' continued acts of terrorism and their alliance with Iran warrant an immediate re-designation as an FTO.

The senators are joined by several other Republican senators in signing the letter, including John Barrasso, Marsha Blackburn, and Ted Cruz, among others.

The Houthis' attacks against Israel, their anti-Semitic rhetoric, and their alliance with Iran highlight the urgent need for the United States to re-designate them as an FTO. This designation would send a powerful message that the United States recognizes the group as a significant threat and is committed to protecting its allies and partners in the region.

The full letter can be read here.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hagerty-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-re-designate-iran-backed-houthis-as-a-foreign-terrorist-organization